Africa is a continent with a rich cultural heritage, and music has always been an integral part of its identity.
From traditional drumming and singing to modern hip-hop and pop, African music has evolved over the years, producing some of the most talented musicians in the world.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the top richest musicians in Africa and their net worth, according to Forbes.
These musicians have not only made a name for themselves in the music industry but have also amassed considerable wealth through their music and various business ventures.
From Nigeria to South Africa, we will be exploring the impressive net worth of some of the most successful musicians on the African continent, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the music industry.
So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of African music and the wealth it generates for its top musicians.
Youssou N’Dour – $150 million
Youssou N’Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, composer, and musician who has an estimated net worth of $150 million, as of 2021.
He has had a successful career spanning over four decades and has released numerous albums and singles that have sold millions of copies worldwide.
N’Dour is widely recognized for his contributions to the popularization of African music on the global stage. He has collaborated with many prominent musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, and Bruce Springsteen, among others.
Apart from his music career, N’Dour has also been involved in several business ventures, including owning a music production company and a television and radio station in Senegal.
He has also been involved in politics, serving as Senegal’s Minister of Tourism and Culture from 2012 to 2013.
Akon – $80 million
Akon is a Senegalese-American singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, and businessman. He first rose to fame with his debut album Trouble in 2004, which included hit singles like Locked Up and Lonely.
Since then, Akon has released several successful albums and collaborated with many popular artists. Akon’s net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. His wealth comes from his successful music career, as well as his business ventures.
He has founded several companies, including Konvict Muzik and Akon Lighting Africa, a project aimed at bringing electricity to millions of people in rural Africa.
Black Coffee – $60 million
Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, is a South African DJ, record producer, and singer. He is one of the most successful DJs in Africa and has won several awards for his music.
Black Coffee’s net worth is estimated to be around $60 million. He has earned his wealth through his successful career as a DJ and producer, as well as through various business ventures.
Black Coffee has released several albums, including Home Brewed, Africa Rising, and Pieces of Me, which have all been successful in South Africa and around the world. He has also performed at many major festivals and events, including Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Ultra Music Festival.
In addition to his music career, Black Coffee has also ventured into business. He owns a coffee shop called Darling Coffee in Johannesburg and has also invested in a record label and a talent management agency.
Don Jazzy – $30 million
Don Jazzy, whose real name is Michael Collins Ajereh, is a Nigerian music producer, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Mavin Records, one of the leading music labels in Nigeria.
Don Jazzy’s net worth was estimated at around $30 million.
It’s important to note that net worth estimates are often just that – estimates, and may not necessarily reflect an individual’s exact financial situation.
Wizkid – $20 million
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who rose to fame with his debut single Holla at Your Boy in 2010.
Since then, he has become one of the biggest names in the Nigerian music industry and has gained international recognition for his unique style and sound.
As for his net worth, it is estimated to be around $20 million. This includes his earnings from music sales, endorsements, tours, and other business ventures.
Wizkid has signed endorsement deals with top brands like Pepsi, MTN, and Guinness, which have significantly contributed to his net worth.
Rudeboy – $16.1 million
Rudeboy, whose real name is Paul Okoye, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer. He first rose to fame as a member of the popular Nigerian music group, P-Square, alongside his twin brother, Peter Okoye.
The duo was known for their unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and African rhythms. After the group’s split in 2017, Rudeboy launched a solo career and has since released several hit songs, including Reason With Me, Audio Money and Woman.
He has also won several awards and nominations for his music. Rudeboy’s net worth is estimated to be around $16.1 million.
This is derived from his music career, endorsement deals, and other business ventures. He has been a brand ambassador for various companies, including Merrybet Gold, a Nigerian sports betting platform.
Davido – $16 million
Davido is a popular Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is one of the most successful musicians in Africa, and his net worth has been the subject of much speculation and debate.
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Davido’s net worth was estimated to be around $16 million.
However, it’s important to note that net worth estimates can vary widely depending on the source and the methodology used to calculate it.
Davido has earned his fortune through a combination of album sales, tours, endorsements, and investments in various businesses.
He is the founder of the record label DMW (Davido Music Worldwide), and he has worked with a variety of international artists, including Chris Brown, Meek Mill and Nicki Minaj.
Mr P – $15.2 million
Mr P, whose real name is Peter Okoye, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and dancer. He was formerly a member of the popular music duo P-Square with his twin brother, Paul Okoye.
Mr P’s estimated net worth is around $15.2 million. He has made his fortune through his music career, with hit songs like Cool It Down, Ebeano, and One More Night, among others.
He has also earned income through endorsement deals with brands such as Olympic Milk and Kia Motors, as well as investments in real estate and other ventures.
2face Idibia – $15 million
2face Idibia, also known as 2Baba, is a Nigerian musician, songwriter, and record producer. He has been active in the music industry since the late 1990s and has released several successful albums, including Face 2 Face and Grass 2 Grace.
2face Idibia’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. He has earned his wealth from his music career, as well as endorsements and investments in various businesses.
In addition to his music career, 2face Idibia is also involved in philanthropic activities. He is the founder of the 2face Foundation, which is focused on providing assistance to underprivileged children in Nigeria.
D Banj – $11 million
D’banj, also known as Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He was born on June 9, 1980, in Zaria, Nigeria.
D’banj rose to fame in 2005 with his hit single Tongolo and has since released several successful albums, including No Long Thing, RunDown Funk U Up, and The Entertainer.
D’banj’s net worth was estimated to be around $11 million.
Apart from his music career, D’banj has also ventured into various business ventures, including owning a record label, music production, fashion line, and entertainment management company.
He is also a UN Youth Ambassador for Peace and has received several awards and recognition for his contributions to the music industry and humanitarian work.
Banky W – $8 million
Banky W, whose full name is Olubankole Wellington, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his R&B music and has released several hit songs such as Yes/No, Strong Thing, and Lagos Party.
Banky W’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million (USD). His wealth comes from various sources, including his music career, acting roles, and his businesses.
He is the founder of Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), a record label that has signed artists like Wizkid and Skales. He also has other business ventures, including a real estate company and a digital marketing agency.
Banky W is known for his philanthropic work and has supported various causes, including education, health, and youth empowerment.
He is also a political activist and ran for office in the 2019 Nigerian general elections under the Modern Democratic Party.
Flavour – $7 million
Flavour, whose real name is Chinedu Okoli, is a Nigerian musician, singer, songwriter, and performer who specializes in highlife, hip-hop, and contemporary African music.
He was born on November 23, 1983, in Enugu State, Nigeria, and began his music career in 2005.
Flavour’s estimated net worth is around $7 million. He has earned his wealth primarily through his successful music career, which includes hit songs such as Nwa Baby, Ada Ada, and Ashawo Remix.
Flavour is also a brand ambassador for several companies, including Globacom, Nigerian Breweries, and Bullet Energy Drink, which has contributed to his overall net worth.
In addition to his music career, Flavour is also involved in philanthropic activities. He has donated to several charitable causes, including the Semah G. Weifur Foundation, which supports children with disabilities.
Sarkodie – $7 million
Sarkodie is a Ghanaian rapper, singer, and entrepreneur who is known for his contribution to the African music industry. Sarkodie’s estimated net worth is around $7 million.
He has earned his wealth through his successful music career, as well as through his various business ventures. He has released several albums and singles that have topped music charts in Ghana and across Africa.
He has also won numerous awards for his music, including BET Awards, Ghana Music Awards, and MTV Africa Music Awards.
In addition to his music career, Sarkodie is also a successful entrepreneur. He owns a record label, Sarkcess Music, and has partnered with several companies to launch his own fashion line, headphones, and a mobile app.
Jidenna – $7 million
Jidenna Theodore Mobisson, better known by his stage name Jidenna, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his hit singles Classic Man and Bambi.
His net worth is estimated to be around $7 million.
Jidenna has earned his wealth through his successful music career, as well as through endorsement deals with brands such as Toyota and Heineken.
Additionally, he has also appeared in films and television shows such as Luke Cage and Insecure.
It is worth mentioning that Jidenna is also known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2017, he launched the 30+ Foundation which aims to provide mentorship and leadership training to young people from underprivileged communities.
Tiwa Savage – $7 million
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who has a net worth estimated at $7 million.
She began her music career as a backup vocalist for George Michael and Mary J. Blige before returning to Nigeria to pursue her own music career.
Tiwa has released several hit songs including “Kele Kele Love, Eminado, and All Over.
She has won numerous awards including the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Female in 2014 and 2018, and has been nominated for the BET Award for Best International Act several times.
In addition to her music career, Tiwa has also appeared in films and television shows, including the Nigerian TV series Shuga. She has also worked as a brand ambassador for companies such as Pepsi, Forte Oil, and Konga.
Jose Chameleon – $6 million
Jose Chameleon, whose real name is Joseph Mayanja, is a popular Ugandan musician, singer, and songwriter.
He is known for his unique style of blending Ugandan and Western music genres, including reggae, ragga, and hip-hop.
In 2019, he was ranked among the top 10 richest musicians in East Africa by Forbes Africa with an estimated net worth of $6 million.
However, it’s important to note that these figures are only estimates and the actual net worth of Jose Chameleon may vary
Tinashe – $6 million
Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, known professionally as Tinashe, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. She first gained recognition in the music industry with her debut single 2 On in 2014, and has since released multiple albums and mixtapes.
Tinashe’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. Her earnings come from various sources, including music sales, touring, brand endorsements, and acting roles.
She has collaborated with several notable artists, such as Chris Brown, Future, and Britney Spears, and has also appeared in films and television shows, including Two and a Half Men and Empire.
Koffi Olamide – $5 million
Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba, popularly known as Koffi Olomide, is a Congolese musician and dancer who is known for his contribution to the soukous music genre.
He has been active in the music industry since the 1980s and has released several successful albums over the years.
Olomide’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. However, it is important to note that celebrity net worth can fluctuate over time, and this figure may not be entirely accurate or up to date.
It’s worth mentioning that Koffi Olomide has faced some controversies in the past, including allegations of assault and mistreatment of his dancers, which may have affected his public image and reputation.
Despite these issues, he remains one of the most successful and influential musicians from the African continent
Fally Ipupa – $5 million
Fally Ipupa is a Congolese singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist who has gained international recognition for his contributions to African music.
He was born on December 14, 1977, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Ipupa’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.
His wealth is attributed to his successful music career, which includes multiple hit songs, albums, and collaborations with other famous musicians.
Ipupa has won numerous awards and nominations, including the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Live Act in 2010 and 2014. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, including his support for education and healthcare initiatives in Congo.
Diamond Platnumz – $5 million
Diamond Platnumz, born Nasibu Abdul Juma, is a Tanzanian musician, songwriter, and dancer. He is one of the most successful artists in East Africa and has gained a massive following across the continent and beyond.
As for his net worth, it is estimated that Diamond’s net worth is around $5 million. He has earned his wealth through various streams, including music sales, live performances, brand endorsements, and other business ventures.
He is known for his hit songs such as Jeje, Tetema, and African Beauty. He has won numerous awards and recognitions, including multiple MTV Africa Music Awards, BET Awards, and Soundcity MVP Awards.
In addition to his music career, Diamond is also involved in other ventures, such as a media company and a beverage company
Note
It’s worth noting that net worth estimates are based on publicly available information, and may not accurately reflect an individual’s true wealth.
Net worth estimates can fluctuate depending on various factors such as income, expenses, investments, and other financial activities.
